[For Seniors] Classic spring songs to sing in April: A heartwarming moment with nostalgic children’s songs and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs)

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari

Like the Flow of the River Live | Hibari Misora

Let me introduce a masterpiece that represents the world of Japanese popular ballads.

This song is captivating for its metaphor that likens life to the flow of a river.

It sings, over a beautiful melody, of calmly accepting the many events that life brings.

Another hallmark is that many of the lyrics resonate with older adults in their daily lives.

Released in January 1989, it became a major hit.

It is also known as the final work of Hibari Misora and has come to symbolize her life.

It’s a perfect song to sing together with seniors and to share nostalgic memories.

Like a flower that blooms in the fieldDa Kāpo

Like a Wildflower — Da Capo

This song expresses a range of emotions inspired by a nameless flower blooming by the roadside and the scenery it frames.

It’s also well known as the theme song for the drama The Heartwarming Tales of Kiyoshi Yamashita, which features the painter Kiyoshi Yamashita as the protagonist.

The gentle sound and vocals convey a fresh, spring-breeze-like atmosphere.

The lyrics depict a wish to become like a flower—something that, when glimpsed casually, warms the heart—and they carry not only kindness but also a strong will.

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dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Yo Hitoto’s “Hanamizuki” is a lovely song whose gentle lyrics and soothing melody sink deep into the heart.

Since its release in 2004, it has continued to be cherished by many.

The song carries feelings for someone precious and a prayer for peace.

I think older listeners, too, can enjoy it peacefully while recalling memories of their youth and time spent with loved ones.

The line “May you and the one you love last for a hundred years” is especially moving.

It might also be nice to listen while thinking of someone dear, or even clapping along to the rhythm.

strollInoue Azumi

[My Neighbor Totoro] ♪ Stroll / Azumi Inoue

As the opening theme of Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro, this song is captivating for Azumi Inoue’s clear, pure vocals.

Through the lively image of the main character going for a cheerful stroll, it portrays encounters with nature and the joy of friendship, delivering a heartwarming message with simple musicality.

The song was released alongside the film in 1988.

It’s familiar to many older adults, and singing it with a wide mouth naturally engages the muscles around the mouth, making it a fun way to support health—highly recommended for music recreation sessions.

Let’s all sing together and savor the pleasant springtime mood.

Hanasaka JiisanSakushi: Ishihara Wasaburō / Sakkyoku: Tamura Torazō

Old Man Flower (Hanasaka Jiisan) | Pochi Barks in the Back Field [Japanese Song / Shoka]

Hanazakajii-san is a classic folktale, and since it’s a story about making cherry blossoms bloom, it strongly evokes the image of spring.

This children’s song presents the story of Hanazakajii-san as if reading it aloud to music.

It introduces the tale—contrasting the honest old man with the mean old man—in a light, buoyant tone.

The onomatopoeic sound effects that make you want to say them out loud and the cheerful rhythm are especially appealing.

Another key point is that it doesn’t delve into the finer details of the folktale, which, I feel, actually heightens the listener’s desire to explore the original story.

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Mischief of the spring breezeYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi – Prank of the Spring Breeze

With the arrival of spring, a timeless masterpiece was born.

The lyrics gently express tender first love and poignant emotions, portraying the delicate feelings of a girl walking through the city in the spring breeze.

Momoe Yamaguchi’s pure, clear voice beautifully conveys the wavering heart of a young woman.

Released in March 1974, the song was used as the theme for the film “The Dancing Girl of Izu,” and became a major topic of conversation.

Together with the film, which showcased Yamaguchi’s charm as an actress to the fullest, it remains deeply etched in many people’s hearts.

It’s a perfect song for spending a peaceful moment in the warmth of spring or reminiscing about cherished memories.

Why not enjoy it with older listeners, sharing nostalgia while feeling the arrival of spring?

It’s Tokyo, Mom.Shimakura Chiyoko

Chiyoko Shimakura - Mother, It's Tokyo - with lyrics

This song, which deeply moved postwar Japan, centers on the bond between parent and child and depicts memories of a mother and daughter spending time together in Tokyo.

Chiyoko Shimakura’s clear, translucent vocals blend beautifully with Toru Funamura’s emotionally rich melody, creating a piece that brings a sense of calm to listeners.

Released in 1957, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.

That same year, it was adapted into a film starring Chiyoko Shimakura herself.

Singing it with older adults is likely to spark lively reminiscences of the time.

As nostalgic Tokyo landmarks appear one after another, it gently awakens everyone’s memories and promises a warm, heartwarming moment.